![Madison River Montana Madison River Montana](/sites/default/files/uploads/2021-04/madison-river-montana-38.jpg)
The Upper Madison is in its normal late summer mode. Flows are average or slightly above average which means Upper Madison River trout are happy. Water temperatures are still in the range for healthy and hungry trout because the Madison River originates from the bottom of Hebgen Lake Dam the releases keep the water cool.
Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and some Drakes are hatching regularly and feeding trout and keeping anglers excited. With daily high temperatures above average, the better fishing has been earlier rather than later and then again in the late evenings. Morning caddis and evening caddis are consistent. PMDs are still hatching but they are less consistent per week but the nymphs are still active even if adults aren't hatching. Reports of the occasional Drake spotting are more than just rumor especially above Palisades. Additionally, Epeorus mayflies are hatching as well. Unlike PMDs, these mayflies hatch into adults subsurface rather than emerge to the surface and then hatch. The dry fly bite is just OK and best in the early morning with caddis dries. The terrestrial fishing is getting better. Nymph fishing has produced consistent results with large sculpin patterns now starting to move more fish. The rubber leg stones are still producing with the tail end of the nocturnal stone hatch, especially on the lower reaches of the river. Some type of caddis related pattern as a dropper is a good idea in the early morning and then smaller attractor nymphs behind something big is a safe bet for after 11am.
But, it is still the Upper Madison and those that commit to the nymph are going to find the most amount of fish on the line. It is still very important to match the hatch on the nymphs too. Because the Madison River is full of fast flowing currents and plenty of riffles, most anglers use tandem nymph rigs during these strong hatches. Fish are going to be found in the seams next to currents as well as drop offs near shelfs, and in and around boulders and other pockets. Be sure to always be willing to adjust your weight based on the depth of the water and the speed of the currents. Dry flies can be successful right now, but most fish are caught fishing tandem nymph rigs beneath the surface.
Flies for the Madison Right Now:
Rainbow warriors in sizes 12-16
Zebra Midges in sizes 16-20
Beadhead PTs in sizes 16-22
Juju beatis in flash or tan in sizes 16-20
RS2 is pale or yellow is sizes 14-18
Para Adams in tan or yellow in sizes 14-16
Corn Fed Caddis is sizes 14-18
Micro Chubbies in black, tan, or olive in sizes 10-14
Blooms Hi-Vis caddis in sizes 10-14
Yellow Stimulator in sizes 10-14
The Month Ahead:
The next few weeks should continue to produce some good fishing. The fishing scenario isn't going to change much in the coming weeks from the current report. Terrestrials will become more important and the beetle and ant fishing should improve.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Upper Madison is a very consistent fishery and this season should continue to produce good results up and down the river. The reports listed above should hold out into mid September. Things start to change a bit later in the fall with some baetis mayflies becoming an important factor. Fall fishing is always good on the Upper Madison.